A new Cupertino startup is launching a clever, well-designed docking solution …

A former Apple engineer and a few entrepreneurs leveraged Kickstarter funding to produce a clever new MacBook Air docking solution called LandingZone, which we were able to check out at this year's Macworld|iWorld conference The extremely compact dock adds extra ports to your MacBook Air and makes moving from desktop to mobile configuration as simple as sliding a lever. The good news is the first version of the device is shipping soon, but unfortunately it does have limitations when used with Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Airs.

Apple designed the MacBook Air to be a highly mobile notebook. Unless you have a Thunderbolt-equipped model and Apple's $1,000 Thunderbolt Display, however, using a MacBook Air as a convertible desktop still requires plugging and unplugging two, three, or even four cables and adapters. InfiniWing's LandingZone offers a solution that quickly converts a MacBook Air to use with an external monitor, wired Ethernet connection, and up to 4 USB 2.0 ports.

The dock is designed so a MacBook Air can run either open or closed.

Chris Foresman

The LandingZone is just slightly wider than a MacBook Air—it comes in versions for both the 11" and 13" models—and perhaps 4" in depth. Just set the rear of your MacBook Air on the dock and slide its lever; two small modules on either end snap into the USB and Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt ports to connect all your peripherals.

On the rear of the LandingZone is a power adapter, three USB 2.0 ports, and a 10/100T Ethernet port.

Chris Foresman

Mini DisplayPort signals are passed through to a connector on LandingZone's rear, while one of the USB ports connects to a powered three-port USB hub and 100Mbps Ethernet port, also on the rear. Another USB port is on the left-hand side, as well as a clever clip which perfectly aligns a MagSafe power adapter to charge and power a MacBook Air while docked. The MacBook Air's audio port and mic are left exposed, as well as he SD card reader on the 13" model.

A close look at the integrated clip for a MacBook Air's MagSafe power adapter.

Chris Foresman

Small design touches make the LandingZone seem like a stand out product. A small opening allows the LED light of the MagSafe adapter shine through, so you can tell at a glance if your MacBook Air is fully charged or still recharging. An added white LED indicator lets you know that the MacBook Air is running, since the LandingZone can run with your machine either open or closed. And, the dock's lever makes it easy to quickly un-dock a MacBook Air and take it with you.

An 11" MacBook Air connected to a LandingZone dock. Look closely and you can see the MagSafe LED charging indicator on the left, and LandingZone's LED power indicator on the right.

Chris Foresman

InfiniWing CEO Kitae Kwon told Ars that the LandingZone is currently in production, with the first round shipping within a few weeks to Kickstarter investors that pledged money to get the device into production. Both 11" and 13" models will be available shortly thereafter to the general public for $199.

The price may seem a little steep, but our experience with the production prototypes on the show floor at Macworld|iWorld 2012 leads us to believe the dock is worth the price. The design is very "Apple-like," with clean lines, a solid feel, and just the right amount of smooth friction in the locking lever.

LandingZone's lever makes connecting and disconnecting a MacBook Air a breeze.

Chris Foresman

Lack of Thunderbolt support was immediately apparent to us nonetheless. The upside is that current design is physically compatible and will dock with the latest Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Airs. On the other hand, it can't pass Thunderbolt signals through to the rear Mini DisplayPort. With the initial version, users will be limited to using DisplayPort equipped displays or HDMI, DVI, or VGA displays with an appropriate Mini DisplayPort adapter.

"We're waiting to hear back from Intel on licensing," an InfiniWing spokesperson told Ars (a common cause of Thunderbolt products delays we heard at CES). Once approved, though, the company plans to engineer a LandingZone version with Thunderbolt support. "Not only could we support native Thunderbolt devices, but we could also add gigabit Ethernet, and maybe FireWire ports," the spokesperson said.

62 Reader Comments

- Does the lever lock, and/or is there a Kensington lock on it? We have to put stupid cases on to lock a MBA to a desk now (lots of traffic), but this would be easier to deal with. - Also, how is the spacing if someone has a cover on their machine (some of or users like to get the rubberized ones to reduce the chance of it slipping)?

With Thunderbolt this would beat the pants off the Belkin unit for stationery use (the Belkin would be better if you need to tote it). A LandingZone Pro model with TB, GigE and FW800 combined with a lock would make it pretty damn sweet.

- Does the lever lock, and/or is there a Kensington lock on it? We have to put stupid cases on to lock a MBA to a desk now (lots of traffic), but this would be easier to deal with.

It does have a Kensigton lock on it. I presume to also locks the docking mechanism, but we didn't get a chance to check that out. We'll be sure to take a look if/when we can get an evaluation unit.

Quote:

- Also, how is the spacing if someone has a cover on their machine (some of or users like to get the rubberized ones to reduce the chance of it slipping)?

The spacing is very tight. I'm not certain, but I suspect that it probably wouldn't work with cases.

Quote:

With Thunderbolt this would beat the pants off the Belkin unit for stationery use (the Belkin would be better if you need to tote it). A LandingZone Pro model with TB, GigE and FW800 combined with a lock would make it pretty damn sweet.

Agreed. Believe me when I say that the InfiniWing people REALLY want to make that.

- Does the lever lock, and/or is there a Kensington lock on it? We have to put stupid cases on to lock a MBA to a desk now (lots of traffic), but this would be easier to deal with.

It does have a Kensigton lock on it. I presume to also locks the docking mechanism, but we didn't get a chance to check that out. We'll be sure to take a look if/when we can get an evaluation unit.

This is what the CEO posted on their Kickstarter updates page to the question by another commenter:

"Ahmad, once you lock the LandingZone with Kensington lock, it locks up the latch mechanism of the LandingZone so it will prevent the LandingZone from being opened up. Without opening up, you cannot undock the MacBook Air from the LandingZone. This is one of our key parts of our patent application."

I hate to police this kind of thing, but you have incorrectly used the world leverage in the first sentence of this article: "A former Apple engineer and a few entrepreneurs leveraged Kickstarter funding". Shame on you! The rest of the article was great, though.

I hate to police this kind of thing, but you have incorrectly used the world leverage in the first sentence of this article: "A former Apple engineer and a few entrepreneurs leveraged Kickstarter funding". Shame on you! The rest of the article was great, though.

You need to retire from policing:

leverage v. use (something) to maximum advantage: "the organization needs to leverage its key resources."

I've long given up on the idea that Apple laptops will ever have a dock with the ski binding simplicity of a click-in/click-out dock again. Every third party "solution" just seems to make the Thunderbolt Display look that much more attractive as a $999 27" monitor with MagSafe, GbE, USB hub, FaceTime, etc.

The internal and external compromises you'd have to make for a single dock connector aren't worth it, anyway.

I've long given up on the idea that Apple laptops will ever have a dock with the ski binding simplicity of a click-in/click-out dock again. Every third party "solution" just seems to make the Thunderbolt Display look that much more attractive as a $999 27" monitor with MagSafe, GbE, USB hub, FaceTime, etc.

The internal and external compromises you'd have to make for a single dock connector aren't worth it, anyway.

The Thunderbolt display does make a good case for itself in that respect, would be fantastic if it was available with a matte display option. Just recently bought a couple of Dell U2711's and the matte finish is much preferred. Add a couple of FW800 ports and it would be a downright ripper for me with both my Air and Pro.

Being able to dock my portable editing machine with a few HDDs and my sound system with only a couple of cables would be sweet!

I've long given up on the idea that Apple laptops will ever have a dock with the ski binding simplicity of a click-in/click-out dock again. Every third party "solution" just seems to make the Thunderbolt Display look that much more attractive as a $999 27" monitor with MagSafe, GbE, USB hub, FaceTime, etc.

The internal and external compromises you'd have to make for a single dock connector aren't worth it, anyway.

If the thunderbolt port were next to the power port, then you might be able to make a combined "Thunderpower" connector that would give you everything you need.

(With thunderbolt and power on opposite sides you need two cables. And with my older model Air, I plug in USB as well for three cables at my desk each morning. As someone else noted above, this isn't a huge issue.)

I've long given up on the idea that Apple laptops will ever have a dock with the ski binding simplicity of a click-in/click-out dock again. Every third party "solution" just seems to make the Thunderbolt Display look that much more attractive as a $999 27" monitor with MagSafe, GbE, USB hub, FaceTime, etc.

The internal and external compromises you'd have to make for a single dock connector aren't worth it, anyway.

If the thunderbolt port were next to the power port, then you might be able to make a combined "Thunderpower" connector that would give you everything you need.

(With thunderbolt and power on opposite sides you need two cables. And with my older model Air, I plug in USB as well for three cables at my desk each morning. As someone else noted above, this isn't a huge issue.)

The problem would probably be Apple's lack if licensing for the MagSafe connector. Non-Apple MagSafe chargers don't work on the current models (I have an external battery that will power but not charge my Air or Pro for this reason).

Am I the only one that thinks it looks ugly as sin and overly complicated?

The only thing you really need is a breakout box for the Thunderbolt port - basically a Thunderbolt display version without the display. Put a long white cable on it and we can hide the mess of cables under the desk. Your GbE and any USB stuff that doesn't need to be on the desk can be hidden away and out of sight. The MBA will still have 2 USB ports.

...using a MacBook Air as a convertible desktop still requires plugging and unplugging two, three, or even four cables and adapters.

I'm not saying there isn't a use for something like this dock, but damn, we're getting spoiled lately!

"And when I got home, I had to plug in three cables and lift the lid on my laptop. Can you believe that shit?"

This.

I find it unbelievable that people complain about this. It takes seconds. Docking stations were useful when the connectors themselves were a PITA (like VGA or Serial), but MagSafe and USB are super easy. The only thing that actually seems useful here is the Kensington lock.

...using a MacBook Air as a convertible desktop still requires plugging and unplugging two, three, or even four cables and adapters.

I'm not saying there isn't a use for something like this dock, but damn, we're getting spoiled lately!

"And when I got home, I had to plug in three cables and lift the lid on my laptop. Can you believe that shit?"

This.

I find it unbelievable that people complain about this. It takes seconds. Docking stations were useful when the connectors themselves were a PITA (like VGA or Serial), but MagSafe and USB are super easy. The only thing that actually seems useful here is the Kensington lock.

When I'm working, every bit of convenience I can add to my day is a nice thing to have. Sure plugging in a few cables is hardly a time consuming disaster, but if it can be quicker and simpler, and we're willing to pay the money, why are we all of a sudden classed as precious snobs? I'm sure you don't think twice about the convenience offered by the remote central locking in your car...

...using a MacBook Air as a convertible desktop still requires plugging and unplugging two, three, or even four cables and adapters.

I'm not saying there isn't a use for something like this dock, but damn, we're getting spoiled lately!

"And when I got home, I had to plug in three cables and lift the lid on my laptop. Can you believe that shit?"

This.

I find it unbelievable that people complain about this. It takes seconds. Docking stations were useful when the connectors themselves were a PITA (like VGA or Serial), but MagSafe and USB are super easy. The only thing that actually seems useful here is the Kensington lock.

I would look at it this way: if you add the cost of a USB hub, the ethernet-UDB adapter, the case to get a Kensington lock it isn't a ridiculous price for convenience. If it had TB and I could then use a Dell screen and still get FW800 and GigE (and lock) then it would be a pretty reasonable deal as well. Especially if I could continue to use the TB fiber adapter I have (or utilize other devices like the Sonnet ExpressCard dock).

To those complaining that people who want this are lazy. I know from my own experience that wrangling cables can be a frustrating experience. I know I should tie them down somehow or rig something together so they aren't always falling or getting caught on other wires when I just want to settle in at my desk, but I don't because whenever I think about it, I'm trying to settle in at my desk. It's a bit irrational and a bit silly, but something like this could bring piece of mind to many people. I can't really fault someone for spending a couple hundred bucks to gain some piece of mind.

We've got a couple of MacBook Airs in our office. I'm not sure how useful this dock would be without Gigabit Ethernet or Thunderbolt – I've already purchased USB 2.0 hubs for a few of my co-workers.

The MacBook Air's main weakness is not its lack of processing or graphics power, limited storage capacity, or its format (e.g., small display/keyboard, limited ports, missing optical drive). These are all acceptable tradeoffs, but Thunderbolt solved the biggest, most obvious problem – the lack of I/O bandwidth.

Even incremental backups take a relative eternity to finish when they are going through Apple's USB 10/100 Ethernet adapter (or Airport, in some cases). If Apple adds USB 3.0 to their next MacBook Air, they may follow up with a USB Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. Also, I'd really love to see a Kensington Security Slot on the next MacBook Airs.

I think the industrial design of the Belkin 4-Port Ultra-Slim USB 2.0 Metal Desktop Hub (what a mouthful) matches the MacBook Air's aesthetic much more closely than the LandingZone prototype. I'd love to see LandingZone's finished product, though.

I think the poo-pooers of this product are forgetting the growing number of corporate MBAir users—often executives.

These users often need LAN connectivity (for performance and/or directory-integration), which requires that they (A) remember to order a USB-Ethernet adapter, and (B) have it with them at workstation. I can say from experience that such adapters commonly go MIA.

"They can just use WiFi", you say? WiFi-integration (via 802.1X) is often nascent in the enterprise, requiring them to use VPN; further reducing an already slower network connection.

Port replicators like this might be overkill for home users, but the extra USB 2.0, video-out, 10/100 Ethernet and Kensington lock ports are a boon for corporate users. This one in particular sounds promising and looks like a Cupertino creation. Great job, InfiniWing!

One critique:I wish this was one-size-fit's-all. Perhaps they could devise a sliding/telescoping mechanism to accommodate both sizes? I'm no industrial designer, but that might reduce mfg costs and adapt if Apple changes MBAir sizes.

That's what I dislike about BookEndz (besides their clunky design): they only work w/ each specific Mac.

I hate to police this kind of thing, but you have incorrectly used the world leverage in the first sentence of this article: "A former Apple engineer and a few entrepreneurs leveraged Kickstarter funding". Shame on you! The rest of the article was great, though.

You need to retire from policing:leverage v. use (something) to maximum advantage: "the organization needs to leverage its key resources."

Leverage is perfectly acceptable in terms of grammar. It's just so overused by corporate middle managers and executives that it sounds ugly and unappealing. It's "Buzzword Bingo" material, like "touch base" and "going forward."

ramuman wrote:

Am I the only one that thinks it looks ugly as sin and overly complicated?The only thing you really need is a breakout box for the Thunderbolt port - basically a Thunderbolt display version without the display. Put a long white cable on it and we can hide the mess of cables under the desk. Your GbE and any USB stuff that doesn't need to be on the desk can be hidden away and out of sight. The MBA will still have 2 USB ports.

Yes. This is overly bulky, cumbersome, and complicated. I will buy such a dock when you do not have to go through an alignment and docking procedure with a big clunky piece of hardware. Just plug/unplug one Thunderbolt cable.

pbrice68 wrote:

I find it unbelievable that people complain about this. It takes seconds. Docking stations were useful when the connectors themselves were a PITA (like VGA or Serial), but MagSafe and USB are super easy. The only thing that actually seems useful here is the Kensington lock.

When I plug in my MacBook Pro, I do power, audio out (to hear music through my sound system), Gigabit Ethernet (wireless is too slow for my purposes), USB, and sometimes FireWire. It does take only seconds to plug in the 4 to 5 cables, and I'm used to it, but still, reducing it to one cable would be very noticeably simpler. Grab one cable, plug it in. If technology exists for anything, it's to simplify things like this.

Aside from the Thunderbolt licensing/supply clusterfuck, which has been thoroughly hashed out elsewhere, I can't believe it's 2012 and Apple has yet to license Magsafe to any other company on the planet. Cludgy hacks like the "guide channel to stick your Apple-made adapter into before docking" idiocy (which I'm guessing only works with the newer shape of Magsafe plug, not any older ones you might have lying around) continue to make solutions like this look half-assed.

"Without opening up, you cannot undock the MacBook Air from the LandingZone. This is one of our key parts of our patent application."

Umm... patenting a locking docking station? I'll be sure to remember the name InfiniWing so that I can be sure to never touch anything made by these folks.

They aren't patenting the concept of a docking station. They are patenting the new and unique aspects of their implementation of a docking system, such as their method (whatever it is) of securing the lock/unlock lever via the security slot.

If they didn't patent everything about it that's unique, and Joe Schmoe could come along and make and exact duplicate without any of the cost of R&D.